General Ford Ranger Discussion General discussion of the Ford Ranger that does not fit in any other sub-forum.

How long can my alternator keep going?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 08-04-2015
stockranger's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
From: garden grove , ca
How long can my alternator keep going?

I have 128,000 on my truck. I just got a new battery. I upgraded to a group 34/78 AGM battery.(had to get a new tray and hold down). Nothing wrong with the old battery, but they don't seem to last me long cuz all the acid spills out from offroading. Last time it died on me about 10 miles out on a dirt road. Luckily I was able to push start. I'm on the original alternator. seems to work fine. I would rather replace in my driveway than get stuck on some dirt road 50 miles from town and have to pay someone in hee haww hell to replace it.

I have a 300 watt sub. I don't blast it too often.

If I replace i am thinking about this one in 130 amp. Or factory.

92-05 Ranger 2.3/2.5/3.0/4.0L Alternator

Do you guys think it can keep going? Or should I replace it now? I'm surprised it has lasted this long.
 
  #2  
Old 08-04-2015
RonD's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 30,642
Likes: 2,868
From: Vancouver, BC
Alternators rarely fail out right, fuses blow, fusible links burn out but alternators generally fail by degrees.
Alternator bearing going out is also an issue.

Alternators generate power thru 3 fields in the case, usually 1 field will fail when alternator gets old and that's when its time for a change.
Alternator can still run the truck and charge the battery with 2 working fields but at night you would notice dimming head lights at idle, because at low RPM and 1 failed field the alternators power output drops below 13.5volts with headlights on.

Put a voltmeter on the battery
Engine off should be 12.8v with new battery, 12.3v with 5 year old battery, 12.2v or below means get a new battery

Start engine, battery should now read 14.5v to 14.9v, under 15v, that's the alternator recharging battery after starter motor drained it
After a few minutes of running voltage should drop down to 13.6v, voltage regulator is working.
If you turn on all lights and heater fan to High, also leave doors open and crank up the tunes, lol
Voltage should drop and then come back up to 13.6v, all 3 fields are working
 

Last edited by RonD; 08-04-2015 at 10:28 PM.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
fastball25
4.0L OHV & SOHC V6 Tech
33
03-17-2016 06:52 PM
FMD
General Ford Ranger Discussion
91
12-05-2009 03:32 PM
xRedGTx
General Ford Ranger Discussion
4
04-17-2009 10:22 PM
BigRedDog
General Ford Ranger Discussion
39
02-20-2009 11:52 AM
otterboy_99
4.0L OHV & SOHC V6 Tech
6
08-15-2006 12:57 PM




All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:37 AM.